New Zealand Associations and Organisaitons – Page 69

April 13, 2018

Listening to the needs of young Karori families – consultation means future of crèche on hold

Source: New Zealand Plunket Society – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Listening to the needs of young Karori families – consultation means future of crèche on hold

Statement from Plunket Chief Executive Amanda Malu:

“We’ve heard a wide variety of views, ideas and questions following our decision to no longer provide early childhood education in Karori. Some members of the Karori community understand why we’ve made this difficult decision and others feel it should stay to serve local families.

“With over 700 Karori families currently using a wide variety of our services we think it’s important we get the broadest view possible of the needs in this community. We are going to listen and consult with these Karori families and other stakeholders to understand how we can best support Karori children.

“The future status of the Karori Plunket Crèche is on hold until this consultation is complete and there are final decisions about services in Karori. We have offered existing crèche families an interim childcare service at our Plunket buildings while this consultation takes place. We know this situation has been difficult for some families and we genuinely want to offer all the support we can.

“We would like to again assure the Karori community that our Plunket nursing service, our free parenting programmes and our various groups and services were never impacted by the decision to close the crèche. We will continue to deliver those services but this consultation is about how we can make the biggest difference in the community.

“As a 110 year-old organisation we’ve constantly changed as the needs of families have changed in that time. So we know change is hard and not always comfortable. But we genuinely want to learn from this process, using it to inform how we better engage with other communities in the future.”

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April 13, 2018

The National Council of Women is calling on Good Guys on our Founders’ Day

Source: National Council of Women of New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: The National Council of Women is calling on Good Guys on our Founders’ Day

Today marks Founders’ Day for the National Council of Women of New Zealand – 122 years since Kate Sheppard and other leading suffragists founded the gender equality organisation in 1896.

This year also marks Suffrage 125. On 19 September 1893, after the suffragists submitted a petition with nearly 32,000 signatures – which was also supported and signed by several male advocates – New Zealand became the first country in which women could vote. Three years later, the National Council of Women was founded.

Gender Equal NZ led by the National Council of Women, is calling on Good Guys to help us achieve a Gender Equal New Zealand.

“We have achieved a great deal in the last 122 years” says National Council of Women of New Zealand President Vanisa Dhiru and, “but we know we still have a long way to go until we can truly say that equality is reality for all New Zealanders.”

“This week Gender Equal NZ has released the results of New Zealand’s first Gender Attitudes Survey, along with the Good Guys animated short film and infographic” says Vanisa. “As Kate Sheppard famously said ‘All that separates whether of race, class, creed or sex is inhuman and must be overcome’ and Good Guys embodies this idea” says Vanisa.

The Gender Attitudes Survey results show that while most New Zealanders recognise gender equality is a fundamental right for all of us, there are still some old fashioned ideas about what girls and women can do and be, and even more about what boys and men “should” be like – and what makes a “real man”.

11% of New Zealanders think fathers should have more say than mothers in making family decisions.
1 in 10 New Zealanders don’t think it’s OK for boys to play netball.
41% of New Zealanders think being a builder is more suited to men.
24% of New Zealanders think rape happens when a man’s sex drive is out of control.

Good Guys Spokesperson and It’s Not OK Champion Jeremy Epairama says “These ideas of what makes a ‘real man’ hurt all of us. They lead to heavy drinking, poor health and dangerous driving and they contribute to men’s violence towards women and other genders.”

Jeremy is one of eight Good Guys Spokespeople that are working with Gender Equal NZ to encourage New Zealanders to stand up to these old-fashioned views and help drive change.

This Founders’ Day, Gender Equal NZ wants all New Zealanders to question ideas about “real men” that get in the way of men being Good Guys – with good relationships with their kids, partners, friends and everyone else.

The full Gender Attitudes Survey results as well as the Good Guys animated film and infographic can be viewed at www.genderequal.nz

To our members and supporters – happy Founders’ Day.

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April 13, 2018

Help lead NCWNZ and Gender Equal NZ

Source: National Council of Women of New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Help lead NCWNZ and Gender Equal NZ

Applications are invited for three board members for three year terms.

Do you believe in a Gender Equal New Zealand? If so, consider becoming a Board member of New Zealand’s iconic gender equality organisation – the National Council of Women New Zealand, founded by Kate Sheppard.

We’re in the midst of re-positioning ourselves to finish the job Kate started, and you could be a part of our new movement. Building on our long, proud history of achieving social and economic change, we’re now leading a new movement that is more modern, vibrant and relevant for New Zealanders today! Gender Equal NZ aims to harness the growing interest in gender equality and to take collective action for change.

We are looking for experienced, action-orientated governance professionals who are committed to our cause, with proven skills in one or more of the following areas:

Strategic oversight of organisations
Brand and digital strategy
Fundraising, sponsorships and revenue diversification
Investment and asset management.

In addition to governance, you will also be able to leverage your networks and provide “hands-on” strategic leadership and support for our small Wellington based operations team.

The Board wishes to reflect the diverse nature of our population. Applicants representing tangata whenua, Pasifika, Auckland, and regional representation are desired.

Our seven member pro bono board meets at least seven times per year (either face-to-face in Wellington or by video conference), and the commitment from each board members averages around 8 hours per week.

Board members will be elected at our conference on 31 August to 1 September.

To apply, please send a cover letter (no longer than 500 words, your current CV and weblink to a 2 minute video to Vanisa Dhiru (President) at boardadmin@ncwnz.org.co.nz by Friday 11 May 2018.

Role: Board Members (3)

Term: 3 years

Location: National position

Closes: 11 May 2018

Further information

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April 13, 2018

New Zealand’s first Gender Attitudes Survey shows strong ideas about what boys and men “should” be like hold us all back

Source: National Council of Women of New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: New Zealand’s first Gender Attitudes Survey shows strong ideas about what boys and men “should” be like hold us all back

Gender Equal NZ, led by the National Council of Women, has today released the results of New Zealand’s first Gender Attitudes Survey, along with the Good Guys animated short film and infographic.

“We carried out this demographically representative survey with Research NZ in late 2017” says National Council of Women CE and Gender Equal NZ spokesperson Gill Greer. “The Gender Attitudes Survey tested attitudes around gender roles – in the household, at school, at work and in the community and gives us a snapshot of where we’re at in New Zealand on gender”

“The good news is most New Zealanders recognise gender equality is a fundamental right for all of us. But we are seeing a pocket of New Zealanders that hold old-fashioned views about gender stereotypes and roles” says Gill, “these views hold all New Zealanders back from achieving true gender equality.”

The results show there are some strong ideas about what girls and women can do and be, and even more about what boys and men “should” be like – and what makes a “real man”.

1 in 5 New Zealanders do not believe it’s ok for boys to play with dolls
31% of men think that a man who doesn’t fight back when he’s pushed around will lose respect as a man
19% of New Zealanders think it is more important for men to be seen in a position of power in NZ society

“These strong ideas about being a man put sexual prowess, being strong and making money above empathy, being kind and vulnerability. But these are important skills for Good Guys and people of all genders” says Gill. These attitudes also reinforce the idea that men are superior to women, and that women are naturally passive and submissive.

Gender Equal NZ wants all New Zealanders to question ideas about “real men” that get in the way of men being Good Guys – with good relationships with their kids, partners, friends and everyone else. “We’ve created a Good Guys animated film and infographic which New Zealanders can use, and share, as a starting point to question these ideas which hurt us all” says Gill.

Good Guys Spokesperson and It’s Not OK Champion Jeremy Epairama says “These ideas of what makes a “real man” are harmful. They leave men who can’t live up to them feeling like they are failing at being a man.”

“These ideas hurt all of us” says Jeremy “including women and other genders. They lead to heavy drinking, poor health and dangerous driving. They create barriers which prevent male survivors of sexual violence from getting help. They contribute to men’s violence towards women and other genders – from sexual harassment to partner violence to rape.”

Jeremy is one of eight Good Guys Spokespeople that are working with Gender Equal NZ to encourage New Zealanders to stand up to these old-fashioned views and help drive change.

Good Guys Spokesperson and It’s Not OK Champion Richie Hardcore supports the call to action. “Men who see what’s wrong with that sexist joke or that creepy behaviour – you won’t be the only man who’s uncomfortable. Be a Good Guy – speak out, you can make a difference.”

“Eight men kill themselves every week in New Zealand” says Richie, “It’s time to change these old-fashioned attitudes, for all of us.”

The Good Guys animated film and infographic can be viewed at www.genderequal.nz

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April 11, 2018

What gold smells like

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: What gold smells like

Closing in on the half way point of his Foundation residency at Kriti Gallery in Varanasi, India, artist Elliot Collins gives his observations of this city on the banks of the Ganges and the people who inhabit it.

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Watch a slideshow of Elliot’s images of Varanasi

It seems strange to talk about being half way into my Varanasi residency, but my half way point is approaching and it feels apt to mention navigation, space and perspective.

This place walks the fine line of truth and fiction. It is easy to see how mythology folds naturally into everyday life here. Even the smell in the air of honeysuckle and incense mixed with cow manure and roasting spices betrays and confuses memory. I am gently reminded that I will never fully know this place, it will always keep something from the visitor.

If I told you that I passed a boat learning to fly or a monkeys that can talk to children I wouldn’t be entirely lying. There is so much rich storytelling material here that I was initially overwhelmed. As I return to the river, the city seems to persist in its unfolding and I change to meet it, no longer phased by the pollution, poverty or beggars but with a resolve to address it upon my return Aotearoa.

On one walk along the river, I find a submarine-like life boat sat on the steps of the ghats and watch a sardu (holy man) playing a convincing game of cricket with some local children. There is a stepwell called Manikanika Kund where pilgrims come to bathe that is a geometric dream that leads down to a still pool that reflects the stars at night. Over on the river’s edge a temple sinks on its foundations and people bathe, cleansed by Mother Ganga.

Just along from Manikanika are the burning ghats (places where cremations are held) with wooden logs stacked high in orderly towers. These are purchased by families who have brought their deceased loved one to the river for cremation and interring into the river. They walk in a procession along the road chanting and singing with the cloaked body raised upon their shoulders. This was a shock at first, but after sitting on the steps watching the whole event unfold, there is a very peaceful and natural aspect to this tradition. In the Hindu faith, this process is the end point of reincarnation, death and rebirth.

Leaving the ghats, there are endless chai stalls selling sweet and restorative tea to the weary pilgrims. I will often stand sipping the hot tea out of terracotta cups, which are smashed on the ground after use, next to shopkeepers who seem rooted like plants in their kiosks, growing too big for their container.

A little further on, holy men worship and chant, slowly turning to stone, their faces covered in pigment and hair tied in a knot. I have become accustomed to the cows wandering the streets, lanes and alleyways around the city. I’m told they hold the gods in their bellies, so I always give them some space as they wander around unimpeded by the noise and pace of the city. You’ll see people tap them lightly as they pass.

This ancient city, which is built on ancient cities, whispers ‘creation, destruction, creation, destruction’ endlessly as I weave through different areas of markets and temples. Hanuman, Shiva and Ganesha statues and shrines are everywhere and must come to life and coat themselves in vermillion paint in the night, which is the only way to explain the hurried paint job, always fresh but always quickly applied.

I have spent most of my time here filming the river from different ghats, so I often find myself sitting on the painted steps that lead to different worlds beyond the river. The steps sit below castles and fortresses and fold out like origami to reveal that they are all one but with many different sides.

There seems to be no wrong turn in Varanasi, just a different way to arrive at your destination. This adds to the many unexplainable yet somehow ordinary occurrences that life in Varanasi gifts you. This is a place where, as a tourist, you have to sit in the mystery and be carried by the flow of the traffic, the people and the rhythm of the river.

It is very hard to define this experience. Being in among the chaos, the city seems to fold you into her disordered embrace and leads you, again, to the river. However, with the sun setting like a deep red bindi circle in the sky, it is perhaps necessary to speak in riddle or metaphor. And although it might seem mysterious, and I might be caught up in the allegory of this place, because of everything I’ve experienced in this enchanted place and for reasons I can’t explain, I now know what gold smells like.

Elliot Collins is a text based artist who works across multiple disciplines to generate artwork that plays with ideas of memory, trace, memorial and invisibility. While on residency at Kriti Gallery, Elliot hopes to engage with the local life and experience daily rituals as he reflectively continues to make work in response to his surroundings.

Find out more

11 April 2018

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Country

India

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April 11, 2018

Human rights, housing and child poverty – where do we stand?

Source: Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Human rights, housing and child poverty – where do we stand?

How well is New Zealand doing to ensure it upholds its international obligations to human rights, especially where they relate to children?

The concluding observations from a recent review of how New Zealand is performing on its obligation to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) show that there is ample room for improvement.

While we’re making small headway, with the Government’s intention to implement new legislation designed to reduce child poverty and improve children’s wellbeing, we are still a long way off ensuring that every child enjoys the benefits of our country’s flourishing economy.

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) expressed grave concern about the disproportionate numbers of Māori and Pasifika children as well as children with disabilities living in households with incomes below the relative income poverty line, and recommended that New Zealand:

Strengthen its efforts to combat poverty, in particular among households with dependent children, notably Māori or Pasifika children and children with disabilities … In particular, the Committee urges the State party to accelerate the enactment of the Child Poverty Reduction Bill introduced in January 2018, and ensure that the Child Wellbeing Strategy is well resourced and effectively implemented.

With respect to the right to housing, the growing phenomenon of homelessness and lack of affordable housing options for low-income families in New Zealand was of particular concern to the Committee. It recommended that we address issues of homelessness more effectively by “monitor[ing] and record[ing] more systematically the situation of the homeless” and implementing the “Strategy to End Homelessness”.

The Committee said New Zealand should adopt a human rights-based national housing strategy and, “step up its efforts to increase the availability of quality affordable housing, paying particular attention to low-income, Māori and Pasifika families as well as persons with disabilities and older persons, and allocate the necessary resources for the effective implementation of the KiwiBuild programme.”

With respect to the right to education, the hidden costs of our ‘free’ public education system, mean that New Zealand households are paying more for their children’s education on average than those in other OECD countries. The Committee recommended that our Government should:

take effective steps to address indirect schooling costs, including by implementing the scheme to increase funding for public schools, so as to ensure equal access to education by all children and students.

With respect to the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to social security, the poor quality of living evidenced by the number of children living in hardship, and the high rate of hospitalisations among children related to living in cold and damp and overcrowded houses revealed that our welfare system fails to provide a decent standard of living for families in need of support, and that the quality of rental housing should be better regulated.

The punitive manner in which people who receive a welfare benefit are treated by the system, when they aren’t able to meet the stringent rules, was subjected to scrutiny. CPAG is pleased to note that they took particular issue with the way that sanctions for non-compliance impact on children.

The Committee recommended New Zealand:

ensure that persons in need of social assistance effectively receive social security benefits that are adequate and allow the beneficiaries and their families to enjoy an adequate standard of living;
assess the effectiveness of the [benefit] sanctions regime, bearing in mind the core content of the right to social security and the best interests of the child.
redouble its efforts to regulate the private housing market, including by controlling rent increases, and take effective measures to ensure that housing rental units are safe for living, including by strengthening legislation that require minimum quality standards for heating and insulation in rental homes.

CPAG teamed up with Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa (ACYA) to submit to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ahead of their 63rd session in March 2018, with our recommendations on what can ensure we are working towards having a New Zealand where all children can flourish. Click here to download the full submission.

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April 11, 2018

CPAG welcomes new report on Children’s Rights

Source: Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: CPAG welcomes new report on Children’s Rights

Child Poverty Action Group welcomes the new report from the Children’s Convention Monitoring Group (CCMG), and its timely release following the 25th anniversary of New Zealand signing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC).

The new report, entitled Getting It Right: Building Blocks, looks at how new and current legislation, including the Government’s proposed Child Poverty Reduction Bill, could be improved to ensure that all children’s rights are protected and that they are able to thrive.

“Missing from the draft legislation for the Child Poverty Reduction Bill currently in the House is any mention of our commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” says Frank Hogan, CPAG’s law and children’s rights spokesperson.

“It is important that any approach to reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing is underpinned by strong support for children’s rights.

“Adequate food, shelter and safety and their families’ access to an adequate income are the absolute minimum right of every child.”

CPAG supports the recommendation by the CCMG to ensure that any data collected on children’s wellbeing is “disaggregated, by age, gender identity, disability, geographic location, ethnic origin, nationality and socioeconomic background,” as well as the recommendation to include children in the process of setting policy and designing services.

“We have too many children facing poverty and homelessness and it is important that various determinants of hardship be understood in terms of who is most affected and how we can support ALL children to be adequately housed, to ensure that all their needs are met, and that they are supported into the best possible outcomes,” says Hogan.

“Children’s voices in the matter are crucial to building genuinely child-centred policies and services, that are able to provide for children and their families appropriately.”

CPAG recently submitted on the draft Child Poverty Reduction Bill, saying that sustaining a reduction in poverty and improved child wellbeing will require the introduction of many new child-centred policies that are implemented Government-wide and interact across all sectors.

CPAG says that such policies will be critical to upholding and maintaining the right of all children, without discrimination, to have good childhoods: to be cared for by their parents and whānau, with adequate support where needed; to be free from violence, to have a good standard of living, timely access to quality healthcare and a quality education, and to have recreational opportunities and to play and be with friends.

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April 9, 2018

Teachers make connections in South Korea

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Teachers make connections in South Korea

Saint Peter’s College teacher Claire Begovic was one of nine New Zealand teachers who travelled to South Korea as part of the Korea Studies Workshop. The one week trip saw the New Zealand teachers meet with an Australian cohort to learn about Korean culture, history and society.

In this Q&A Claire talks about her time in South Korea and what she took away from the experience.

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Why did you want to attend the trip?

I applied for the trip as I had never been to South Korea. I thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to see a country and experience a culture I knew little about.

As a History teacher, I always find it easier to teach about a place that I have been to and in my experience my students also benefit from a first-hand account.

Can you tell us about some of the activities you did in South Korea?

We were extremely fortunate to spend a morning at Ewha Womans University, attending three extremely interesting lectures about the economy, religion and pop culture. In addition, the trip to the Hyundai factory was a highlight. I know very little about cars, but the organisation of the assembly line and the work culture that has been established within the company was unique to witness.

The visit to Yong-Ill High School was also fun – the students gave presentations about a variety of aspects about the Korean education system.

What was the highlight of the trip?

For me personally, I cannot single out one highlight! Meeting other teachers from New Zealand and Australia was fabulous and proved to be excellent professional development. The visit to the War Museum provided an opportunity to really reflect on the division of Korea and the ongoing effects. Meeting and listening to a North Korean defector was a unique experience and one that I feel very privileged to have experienced.

What are some of the key learnings you took away from the trip?

I was totally unaware that there appears to be a keen desire for reunification. I was fascinated by the government policies, especially in education and transport, which have been created with reunification in mind. This positive forward-thinking mindset was impressive.

How do you plan to incorporate what you learnt into your teaching?

I have written a unit that examines the causes and consequences of the Korean War. I plan to use this initially with a Year 10 class to iron out any issues and make necessary improvements before potentially implementing it at NCEA.

Why do you think trips like these are important/useful?

Trips like this are so incredibly valuable. Making connections with other teachers and discussing issues in education proved to be very useful. Travelling to any country provides new learning but the experiences on the Korean Studies Workshop were ones most tourists would probably not get exposed to. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of this trip and am so very grateful for the opportunity.

Claire Begovic is a Junior Humanities and History teacher and Year 13 Academic Dean at Saint Peter’s College in Auckland

About the Korea Studies Workshop

The aim of the Korean Studies Workshop programme is to:

explore intercultural issues within the context of one of the world’s fastest emerging social, cultural and economic powerhouses
forge specific links with individuals and organisations in Australia, New Zealand and South Korea that can support ongoing work in this area
establish a cohort of Australian and New Zealand educators with recent off-shore intercultural experiences that can lead work in this area.

Find out more

9 April 2018

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South Korea

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April 5, 2018

TV Watchdog Fails Families, No Longer Fit For Purpose

Source: Family First – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: TV Watchdog Fails Families, No Longer Fit For Purpose

Media Release 5 April 2018
In a stunning admission, the Broadcasting Standards Authority have said that they “do not have a general supervisory role”, and have endorsed a programme with an “unusually large volume of complaints” and which had a number of corporate businesses asking for their advertising to be removed from the programme. The BSA has rejected multiple complaints about TVNZ’s “Naked Attraction” series.

The BSA in their decision admitted that the programme went “a step further than where broadcasters have trodden before…” and that “Each programme was visually explicit to a level not in our experience seen on New Zealand free-to-air television before. Verbal discussions and descriptions were also explicit…”

Other significant statements made by the BSA in their decision include:

The level of nudity in Naked Attraction went beyond what most viewers would be accustomed to on free-to-air television in New Zealand. As the complainants have pointed out in their submissions, and as reported elsewhere, the first episode broadcast on 27 October 2017 included 282 shots of male genitalia and 96 of female genitalia.

The extent of nudity in this programme was exceptionally high.

…unusual levels of explicit nudity…
…Some viewers may have found the more detailed descriptions of sexual preferences and activity by the participants unduly confronting”

“The BSA has become de-sensitised to what are community standards, and by their own admission they have effectively retired themselves from their role. This decision was a litmus test of whether families can rely on the watchdog to act in the best interests of families and society in general or whether broadcasters have free reign to push the boundaries as far as they want. The broadcasters have won and families have received notice,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“The BSA has also demonstrated their naivety in not understanding the access young people can have to on-demand services, whilst also acknowledging that “children may stay up later on the weekend…”

“This is all part of the ‘pornification’ of our culture led by broadcasters and advertisers, with the watchdog asleep at the wheel. Family First was swamped with complaints from families after the broadcasts of “Naked Attraction”, including medical professionals, horrified by how the standards of free-to-air television have hit rock bottom because of this show.”

“Naked Attraction is saturated with full-frontal nudity. The show degrades human relationships to animalistic instinct, and promotes voyeurism and a porn culture which is harming our society. It is shocking that a state broadcaster is trying to outdo sites like PornHub and porn magazines.”

A number of advertisers have asked for their advertising to be removed from the programme after being contacted by supporters of Family First. A spokesperson for The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery said “As of today all future placements in this series have been removed…” Fonterra said, “We agree this type of show is definitely not aligned with our brand strategy, and we have implemented a new process to ensure this doesn’t happen again.” A spokesperson for Lotto said “In light of feedback about last Friday night’s placement, our Marketing team are reviewing our placement policies to ensure our advertising placements align with our brand values.” Emirates and Rebel Sport has also asked for their advertising to be removed from the programme.

In response to a request under the Official Information Act, TVNZ told Family First, “The TVNZ Complaints Committee received 536 formal complaints for Naked Attraction in late 2017.”

“Families should take this decision as a clear warning that broadcasters now have free reign to broadcast any material previously deemed out-of-bounds, and that the watchdog can no longer be relied upon to enforce appropriate community standards.”

READ Family First’s Submission
READ Family First’s letter to the Minister of Broadcasting

ENDS

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April 4, 2018

Children’s sector unites to support a reduction in Child Poverty

Source: Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Children’s sector unites to support a reduction in Child Poverty

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) says that the Government’s Child Poverty Reduction Bill and changes to the Vulnerable Children’s Act (2014) are important new steps toward improving the lives of many of Aotearoa’s children. CPAG has submitted on the Bill and proposed changes today, with recommendations for strengthening them even further.

Of chief concern is the way in which poverty is measured, the relevance of data and the timeliness of reporting.

“The depth of child poverty cannot be understood by the measures in this Bill alone,” says Associate Professor Susan St John, CPAG economics spokesperson.

“A range of qualitative studies should also be undertaken to supplement these measures, including the demands experienced by charities, food banks and budget services to give a more rounded and timely picture of levels of child and family hardship.

“Government should also consult widely with families, ranging in size and income, to better understand their costs and what is needed to ensure that all the bills are paid, and their whole family’s needs are adequately met. We should be looking to provide more than just subsistence living for those in need.”

As severe poverty isn’t set to be defined until 2025, the 40% (After housing costs) measure should be a primary measure. CPAG argues that there should be no families with children under this very low line. Currently there are 140,000 children at this lowest end of the income poverty spectrum.

More resourcing should be allocated to annual reporting and ensuring that survey samples accurately reflect the population demographics, and to ensure that it is collected and reported on in a timely fashion. Current reporting uses data that is often more than two years out of date.

CPAG also recommends intermediary reporting at the end of 2018 to gauge the impacts of family income changes that take effect from July 1.

Children’s rights to an adequate standard of living, to be free from violence and discrimination, and to be able to participate fully socially should underpin a successful Child Wellbeing Strategy.

CPAG’s full submission is available online here.

In addition, CPAG has been working alongside Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa (ACYA) to lead the development of an overarching submission from a wide range of groups with expertise on children (the children’s sector). The submission has now been endorsed by 41 organisations and individuals, demonstrating strong unity within the children’s sector on what systemic changes are needed to support all Aotearoa-New Zealand’s children to flourish. The document outlines some high level recommendations around data and reporting, and principles that should be the foundation of a successful child well-being strategy.

Professor Innes Asher, CPAG health spokesperson says that working together is critical to achieving a New Zealand where all children can flourish.

“Groups working for and with children are deeply concerned about child poverty in New Zealand and its consequences, which many of us see in our daily work,” says Professor Asher.

“In this overarching submission from the children’s sector we have successfully worked together, and speak with one voice on this critical issue. We demonstrate the kind of unanimity needed in our political systems in order to lift all affected children out of hardship and poverty.”

The full list of individuals and organisations who have supported the joint sector submission is below, and the submission is available online here.

ActionStation has also developed an online guide offering the public the chance to be a part of a crowdsourced submission on the draft law.

Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa (ACYA)

Auckland City Mission

Barnardos

Child Poverty Action Group

Child Matters

CCS Disability Action

Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington

Disabled Persons Assembly NZ

Dr Emily Keddell